Angry Kenyans force Ministry of Health to delete tweet on CT scanner launch in Bungoma
The Ministry of Health has removed a tweet announcing the launch of a new CT scanner at the Bungoma County Referral Hospital after facing strong criticism from the public.
The original post featured an AI-generated poster showing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka at the planned commissioning ceremony scheduled for 9am on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Many Kenyans viewed the announcement as unnecessary and out of touch, especially at a time when families are struggling with high living costs and other pressing challenges in the health sector.
Critics argued that installing a CT scanner in a county referral hospital should be seen as a basic requirement rather than a major achievement worthy of a high-profile ceremony in 2026. Social media users pointed out that the machine had already been handed over on March 26 by hospital officials, raising questions about why another formal launch was needed. Some compared the event to celebrating routine maintenance, with one person likening it to holding a national gala for buying a spare tyre for a bus. Others worried that the costs of fuel for official vehicles, security details, and travel allowances could have been better used to buy essential drugs or support more meaningful health services.
The backlash highlighted deeper frustrations. Residents and online commentators stressed that real progress in healthcare means ensuring the machine actually works, with reliable electricity and consistent operation, rather than just cutting ribbons and taking photos. Questions were raised about whether patients from nearby areas like Webuye would still face problems if the system goes down shortly after the event. Many felt the publicity was more about political messaging than genuine service delivery to the people of Bungoma.
In response to the uproar, the Ministry of Health quickly deleted the tweet to limit further damage. The incident has sparked wider debate about how public resources and announcements are handled in the health sector. While the installation of the scanner itself is a positive step for diagnostics in the county, the strong public reaction shows growing impatience with what some see as unnecessary fanfare when basic services still need steady support and improvement.
